Electronic device holder with folding frame

ABSTRACT

A handbag that secures and displays an electronic device is described. The handbag includes a first frame that secures the electronic device in a closed position, for example, inside a main compartment of the handbag, and a second frame that rotates with respect to the first frame from the closed position, in which the handbag is closed and the electronic device is secured, to a displaying position, in which the electronic device is viewable to a user. The second panel may be rotated at least approximately 270 degrees, or even at least approximately 300 degrees, from the closed position to the display position. In the display position a first side of the second frame, which in the closed position faces the first frame, may rest on a surface and support the handbag and the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/101,099, filed Jan. 8, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of handbags, purses, evening bags, and the like, and in particular, to a handbag with a rotatable frame for securing and displaying an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

With the proliferation of portable electronic devices, including smart phones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, personal organizers and other portable and handheld devices, many types of cases and display systems have been created. Holders and cases for smartphones are known. For example, Le Gette, U.S. Pat. No. 8,382,059, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in full by reference, discloses a holder that can be configured to display an electronic device. Additional related devices are described in the following U.S. patent documents, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated in full herein by reference:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,922,996, Handheld electronic apparatus with kickstand; U.S. Pat. No. 8,917,962, Method of manufacturing a light input coupler and lightguide; U.S. Pat. No. 8,913,380, Docking station and electronic device; U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,610, Light emitting device comprising a lightguide film; U.S. Pat. No. 8,848,970, Salient point-based arrangements; U.S. Pat. No. 8,831,279, Smartphone-based methods and systems; U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,931, Optical coherence tomography-based ophthalmic testing methods devices and systems; U.S. Pat. No. 8,819,172, Smartphone-based methods and systems; U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,458, Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods; U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,449, Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods; D704,702, Portable display device with cover; D701,205, Portable display device with cover; U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,832, Mobile device holder; U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,191, Cell phone protector case having the combination of an interior soft silicone shell and a hard exterior shell with aligned retaining members; D677,658, Portable display device; D671,114, Portable display device with cover; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,871, Portable and adjustable stand for laptop computers or other devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A handbag that secures and displays an electronic device, the handbag including:

-   -   a first frame configured to secure the electronic device in a         closed position;     -   a second frame positioned and configured to rotate with respect         to the first frame from the closed position, in which the         handbag is closed and the electronic device is secured inside         the handbag, to a displaying position, in which the electronic         device is viewable to a user.

In such a handbag, the second panel may be rotated at least approximately 270 degrees from the closed position to the display position.

In such a handbag, in the display position a first side of the second frame may rest on a surface and may support the handbag and the electronic device.

Such a handbag may further include a hinge configured to rotatably connect the second frame and the first frame.

In such a handbag a receiving one of the first frame and the second frame may have a recess, and the handbag may include a lock positioned on a locker one of the first frame and the second frame, and the lock may be positioned and configured to lock the first frame and the second frame in the closed position by mating with the receiving one of the first frame and the second frame.

In such a handbag, the second frame may be configured to rotate at least approximately 300 degrees with respect to the first frame from the closed position to the display position.

In such a handbag the second frame may rotate more than 300 degrees with respect to the first frame so that the first frame rests on the second frame. In the closed position, the first frame may be positioned to secure the electronic device inside a main storage compartment of the handbag.

In such a handbag, in the closed position, the electronic device may be secured on a first side of the first frame, such that in the closed position the first side of the first frame is positioned opposite to the second frame. Further, the second frame may have a first side that faces the first side of the first frame in the closed position, and the first frame and the second frame may be provided such that in the display position the first side of the second frame rests on a surface and supports the handbag and the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of an example of a handbag in a closed position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of another example of a handbag in a closed position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustration of an example of the handbag of FIG. 1 in a display position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustration of an example of a handbag in an intermediate position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustration of an example of the frame with padding for protection and ornamentation, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustration of an example of an outer frame or first frame of the handbag, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustration of a back of the frame, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustration of the frame, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example of the frame in a displaying position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a set of frames, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustration of an example of the frame in the displaying position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Handbags (including those designated to be utilized for any purpose by a woman and those designated to be utilized for any purpose by a man), purses, evening bags, business portfolios, briefcases, attaché cases, fanny packs, shoulder bags, backpacks, men's bags, personal carrying cases, organizers and kits, and other cases, and the like are widely known and are typically used by people as accessories to carry wallets, keys, cosmetics and other important items. Any of the foregoing, or a combination of more than one thereof, may sometimes be referred to herein as a handbag. However, a stylish handbag, purse or evening bag that both contains and conceals an electronic device and opens to a position for displaying an electronic device to facilitate interaction with the electronic device is needed.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 in perspective view is an example of a handbag 100 that is closed, for example using turn lock 25. The electronic device 50 is secured on or to outer panel 20 (sometimes referred to as the “first frame”), or on or to a paneling, padding, lining, fabric, coating or the like, or a combination of the foregoing, positioned or secured on or to the first frame. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a portion of handbag 100 can be rotated more than 180°, for example, 270° with respect to the closed position. As illustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 3, back panel 30 (sometimes referred to as “second frame”) may be rotated to a position 270° with respect to its first position (the closed position) or with respect to the first frame on or to which the electronic device is secured, or to more than 270°. In the display position electronic device 50 or at least a major portion of a monitor or screen or viewing area or keys of electronic device 50 or its keyboard and/or keypad is revealed, shown, displayed, viewable and/or accessible to the user and may be used, utilized or interacted with by the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates that the back panel 30 has been rotated nearly 300° from its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it will be understood that back panel 30 may be rotated other amounts from the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 1 to arrive at the display position for the electronic device 50. For example, the display position may be at some range between 270° and 300°. Or, the display position may be at a position more than 300° from the initial closed position. It will be understood that a second displaying position, for example, at an angle between 310° and 340° from the closed position may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the displaying position illustrated in FIG. 9. Also, the frame may be completely collapsible rearward such that an extreme displaying position is provided. In such an extreme displaying position, the back of back panel 30 would meet or come close to meeting outer panel 20 after back panel 30 has been rotated 360° or nearly 360° from the closed position. Such a second displaying position and extreme displaying position could facilitate interaction with or work on electronic device 50, for example, when the user's eyes are closer to being directly above electronic device 50.

Such an extreme displaying position may be in a range of 345° to 360°, and outer panel 20 and electronic device 50 positioned therein could be supported in such an extreme displaying position by back panel 30 (second frame) and the fabric or material of handbag 100 positioned between back panel 30 and outer panel 20 or in other ways. This extreme displaying position may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the second displaying position, and may be provided in addition to or instead of the displaying position illustrated in FIG. 9.

According to an aspect of the disclosure as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the closed position, back panel 30 meets or comes close to meeting outer panel 20 and may be locked in place in a closed position, for example, by turn lock 21. As illustrated in FIG. 9, turn lock 21 may extend through a hole provided in top bar 31 of back panel 30. Top bar 31 of back panel 30 may also include lip 33 that extends downwardly in the closed position when viewed from the front. Lip 33 may meet and overlap or nearly overlap lip 23 of outer panel 20 on which turn lock 21 is positioned.

In the example illustrated in when turn lock 21 is turned to the horizontal position, back panel may swing forward and may be rotated to the display position illustrated in FIG. 9. Continued rotation of back panel 30 may be blocked by a corner or elbow 36 of back panel 30 butting against outer panel 20. In this way, the display position for the electronic device can be maintained. Further, even if the electronic device includes a touch panel, keys or knobs that are manually activated by one or more fingers or a hand of a user such that outer panel 20 receives the force of the user's fingers or hands, the frame would not collapse or rotate backward. In this way, back panel 33 in the display position as illustrated in FIG. 9 can provide a convenient stand for the electronic device in cooperation with outer panel 20. FIG. 11 illustrates in dashed lines a portion of back panel 30 interacting with the rest of the frame. FIGS. 3, 9 and 11 illustrate how the frame is maintained in the displaying position shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 11.

Also illustrated in FIG. 9 is material fastening frame 37 that can be used to secure the fabric of the handbag 100 and/or lining and/or padding for the handbag 100.

This portion may also include screws or other fasteners 38. Handbag 100 may be made of a variety of materials, including textiles, including synthetic textiles, leather or suede, including synthetic leather or suede, velvet, plastic materials, composites or other materials, and/or a combination of the foregoing materials. The frame, including back panel 30, outer panel 20 and fastening frame 37 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials, and may be made of metal, or a combination of metals or metal alloys, plastic, carbon fibers, wood, composite materials, or other materials, and/or a combination of the foregoing.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the frame illustrating the rear of back panel 30 in the closed position. FIG. 7 is a back view of the frame showing the back of outer panel 20. FIG. 8 is a side view in the closed position of the frame. The location of hinge 39 is shown in broken lines. Hinge 39 connects and fastens together in a rotatable manner outer panel 20 and back panel 30.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the frame according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is a clamshell position in which back panel 30 has been rotated 90° or slightly more than 90°, for example 105°, from the initial closed position of the back panel 30. Clamshell position illustrated in FIG. 5 may also facilitate interaction by the user with an electronic device 50. For example, electronic device may be a smart phone, tablet, laptop, netbook, personal organizer and other portable and handheld devices. The frame can be held up in the clamshell position with a gear and groove mechanism or alternatively it can be held in this position with an adjustable metal strut construction. The interior fabric or material of handbag 100 positioned immediately behind electronic device 50 may have one or more vents, apertures or holes, with or without grommets, to facilitate cooling of electronic device 50.

FIG. 5 illustrates that a pad or a lining, for example, made of foam material in a position as shown at insert 51. This can provide additional protection for electronic device 50 and in particular, may protect a screen or monitor of electronic device 50. In the alternative, insert 51 may be a keyboard, keypad, mouse, mouse pad, track pad, a peripheral device, a charger, a headphone or other accessory to be used with electronic device 50. For example, insert 51 may be a keyboard or keypad electronically connected, such as wired by wireless connection, with electronic device 50.

FIG. 1 also illustrates that additional pockets and holders for a handbag 100 may be provided. For example, pocket 40 may be positioned on the front of handbag 100 and may be secured in the closed position by second turn lock 41. It will be understood that other closing mechanisms such as zippers, Velcro, buttons and the like may be used in addition to or instead of turn lock 41.

FIG. 2 illustrates pocket 43 positioned on the backside of handbag 100. This pocket is illustrated, by way of example, as being closed by zipper 44. It will be understood that other pockets and enclosures may be provided in addition to or instead of on an outside of handbag 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or inside the handbag 100 so as to be accessible only when the main compartment of handbag 100 is opened. For example, underneath or instead of insert 51 illustrated in FIG. 5, additional pockets and enclosures, locked or unlocked, secured or unsecured by zippers, turn locks, Velcro, buttons and the like may be provided. In this way, a comprehensive handbag 100 solution can be provided that holds an electronic device as well as other items necessary for the evening, outing or occasion.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a side view of the handbag in the open and flat position. FIG. 4 illustrates that the outer fabric of other material of handbag 100 at the rear connecting the front and back of handbag 100 is loose in the flat, open position of handbag. The outer fabric or other material of handbag 100 connecting the front and back of the handbag, including the fabric or other material at the sides of handbag 10 and/or at the rear of handbag 100, may be loose to allow for a range of motion of the frame as it is rotated between the various positions, including closed, clamshell, and displaying positions. Such portions of the fabric or other material may be elastic, in whole or in part, and/or may be omitted, in whole or in part, from handbag 100 so as not to interfere with the range of motion of the frame as it is rotated.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations, combinations of structures and/or features, and/or modifications and/or other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A handbag configured to secure and to display an electronic device, the handbag comprising: a first frame configured to secure the electronic device in a closed position; a second frame positioned and configured to rotate with respect to the first frame from the closed position, in which the handbag is closed and the electronic device is secured inside the handbag, to a displaying position, in which the electronic device is viewable to a user.
 2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the second panel is rotated at least approximately 270° from the closed position to the display position.
 3. The handbag of claim 1, wherein in the display position a first side of the second frame rests on a surface and supports the handbag and the electronic device.
 4. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising a hinge configured to rotatably connect the second frame and the first frame.
 5. The handbag of claim 1, wherein a receiving one of the first frame and the second frame has a recess, further comprising a lock positioned on a locker one of the first frame and the second frame, the lock positioned and configured to lock the first frame and the second frame in the closed position by mating with the receiving one of the first frame and the second frame.
 6. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the second frame is configured to rotate at least approximately 300° with respect to the first frame from the closed position to the display position.
 7. The handbag of claim 1, wherein the second frame is configured to rotate more than 300° with respect to the first frame so that the first frame rests on the second frame.
 8. The handbag of claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the first frame is positioned to secure the electronic device inside a main storage compartment of the handbag.
 9. The handbag of claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the electronic device is secured on a first side of the first frame, and in the closed position the first side of the first frame is positioned opposite to the second frame.
 10. The handbag of claim 9, wherein the second frame has a first side configured to face the first side of the first frame in the closed position, and the first frame and the second frame are configured such that in the display position the first side of the second frame rests on a surface and supports the handbag and the electronic device. 